Hermitage Foreshore Walk at Vaucluse on Sydney Harbour
Running from Hermitage Reserve to Nielson Park, the Hermitage Foreshore Walk is a great way to take in Sydney Harbour and views to the city. In addition, you pass several historical houses, which are worth a visit if opened.
How to Get There
We walked from Vaucluse House and started the track at Strickland House, however if you want to use public transport, bus 325 has several stops along Vaucluse Road. For the return trip, bus 325 will take you either back to the start, or to Watsons Bay Wharf where you can catch a ferry.
Strickland House
We started the walk about halfway at Strickland House. This historic residence originally called Carrara was built in the mid-nineteenth century. The house has passed through many owners and is now owned by the New South Wales Government. Strolling around the grounds gives you an idea of the lifestyles of those who used to live here. The views over Sydney Harbour are amazing.
Unfortunately access into the house is not available, but you are able to walk around the outside.
The Foreshore Walk
From Strickland House, we followed the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, starting at Milk Beach. The boardwalk was in very good condition and made the walk easy, although in several places we did have to walk on sand and watch for incoming waves.
The views over the harbour are spectacular, with the bridge and Opera House visible at times. We even saw a seaplane taking off from Rose Bay.
Greycliffe House
The walk finished at Nielsen Park, where you will find Greycliffe House. Tours of the house need to be booked through NSW Parks and Wildlife. You are able to walk around the outside of this neo-Gothic Victorian house and it’s gardens. Even from the outside it looks impressive.
What did We Think?
This was a pleasant and easy walk, with amazing views of Sydney Harbour, with several historical house to see along the way. Only a short (but uphill walk) from here is Vaucluse House which is open to the public.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Our photos are available for purchase on
It’s always great to find a good boardwalk on any hike … with lovely views like yours (and even a seaplane taking off), one can’t complain!
We weren’t expecting the boardwalk, so it was a great surprise. Thanks for reading.
What an enjoyable post with great photos! If we ever get to Sydney, this would be something we would like to do. Thank you for sharing.
Pleased that you liked it. It was a great walk. Thanks for reading.